Aligning device



A. P. PETERS ALIGNING DEVIC E Filed Dec.

Aug. 11, 1942.

2o, 1959 4 sheets-sheet 1 MJU INVENTOR 5E/ef f? FE1-R5 f5. A'r'roRNEY Aug. 1l, 1942.

A. P. PETERS `Y2,?92,969

ALIGNING DEVICE Filed Dec. 20, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,5b. ed"

e642 2465 C D 8 K E n gif-ll u i E E. .if

3 'f5 l I I '/G l I /4 /5 I7 /4.

INVENTOR,

ATTORNEY 918,911,1942. R .sE'TERS 2,292,969

ALIGNING DEVICE Filed Dec. 20, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR ALBERT F. PETERS ATTORNEY Aug.. n, 1942. A. P. PTERS 2,292,969

`ALIGNING DEVICE Filed Deb. 2o, 1959 4 sheets-sheet 4 INVENTOR A .1 BER T /r PErE/es E? 2mg/W@ ATTORNEY Patented Aug. l1, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,292,999

ALIGNING DEVICE Albert P. Peters, San Francisco, Calif. Application December 20, 1939, Serial No. 310,207

2 Claims.

This invention relates to an aligning method and device. i

In certain respects thisinvention is related to andis an improvement on my copending application Serial No. 278,507, iiled June 10, 1939, now

Patent 2,249,226, July 15, 1941.

An object of this invention is toA provide a method and apparatus for producing indications corresponding to adjustment characteristics of parts of mechanisms relatively to each other or to a frame, and displaying the indications at points distant from the adjusted parts in such a manner that the shifting or changing of said in- 2 dications are accomplished in accordance with the relative changes of position ofthe adjusted parts so as to indicate the relative attitude of said parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel method and device for aligning parts relatively to eachother by light projectors held by adjustable magnetic supports in a predetermined relation to said parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a projector for aligning mechanisms which si multaneously projects rays in several predetermined directions for indicating various adjustment characteristics of an alignment of parts.

In this specification, and the annexed drawings, the invention is illustrated in the form considered to be the best, but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited t-,o such form,

because it may be embodied in other forms; and

it is also to be understood that in and by the claims following the description, it is desired to cover the invention in whatsoever form it may be embodied. l

With the foregoing and other objects in view,

` vehicle.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a projector constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 51s a top plane view, partly in section of the projector. l

iFig. 6 is a fragmental view of the projector, Y

looking into they projector lens.

Fig. 7 is a fragmental sectional View of the projector.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the projector mounted on a wheel, and

Fig. 9 is a top plan viewof the electromagnets and their supporting elements.

In general the invention involves shifting ofv a visible mark by and ywith the adjusted parts so that the change of position of the visible mark is in accordance with the change of a given relative attitude of said parts, and the displaying of said visible mark on predetermined charts for readingV the relative degree of shifting of said visible marks and of said parts. Particularly in adjusting the front1 wheels of automobiles charts having predetermined groups of graduations of markings for various angular changes of wheel attitudes are scanned by marks created by light rays projected at corresponding predetermined angles from the front wheels so that the wheel adjustments can be directly read from the positions of said light rays on the respective groups of markings on the charts.

In carrying out my invention the rst step is to locate the charts withrespect to the automobile. chart symmetrically clamped over the rear wheels of the automobile. This chart has horizontal graduation marks near each end. Thenl another chart is provided spaced opposite the front Wheels of the automobile. This second chart has thereon graduations symmetrical with the rear boardgraduation. Then aligned light beams are projected simultaneously forwardly and rearwardly of the front wheels in substantial parallelism with the planes of the iront wheels.

Then the second chart is moved sidewise until mined by the difference between the readings indicated by the forward and rearward light beams on the respective charts. on the rear and the forward charts coincide horizontally and are graduated according to degrees horizontally so that the difference between the forward and rearward markings by the respective light beams corresponds to the number of degrees of the toe-in of the'front wheels.

This step is accomplished by providing a The markings relatively to vertically graduated markings on the chart. These vertical graduations are so extended as to be observable throughout the full steering angle of the front wheels. This is accomplished in this illustrative embodiment by forming the vertical graduations by means of a plurality of parallel, spaced, horizontal lines extended the full length of the chart. One set of these horizontal lines is extended to a length corresponding to about the usual twenty or twenty-ve degrees of the steering limit of the front wheels in eachv direction, and another set is extended beyond and outside said angles. The next step of the method is to'project separate indications in the form of separate beams of light at different angles from each front wheel. One beam of light is projected so as'to extend forward of the Wheel, substantially along the horizontal center line of the plane of the wheel so that when the wheel is turned this light indication travels between the middle of the forward chart and the 20 or 25 steering angle markings. Another separate light beam is projected from each wheel at an 4angle to the plane of the wheel and unto the adjacent outer chart or marking so as to shift away from the outer steering angle marking when the rst beam shifts toward the outer steering angle marking, and vice versa. Both beams are shifted by and with the changing of angular attitudes of the wheel. The forwardly directed light beam rises and falls with the rise and fall of the front Wheel caused by the king pin slant and direct readings of the angleand extent of such rise and fall can be taken on the markings of the chart between the middle and the maximum steering angle indications.

'Ihe other beam rises and falls according to the tilt or angular change of the position of the plane of the wheel relatively to the ground due to the so called caster adjustment. This can be directly read relatively to the graduation marks on the chart located outside of the maximum steering angle indications. When the outer chart is parallel with the face of the wheel in straight position then the light beam for caster indication is projected at right angles to the plane of the wheel. It was found in practice that when the king pin slant chart is at right angles to and the caster charts are respectively parallel with the planes of the front wheels in straight position, then separate readings can be taken with greater accuracy and clearness of indication. The

king pin slant and caster charts are arrangedv at denite predetermined angles to each other and the separate light beams projected unto the respective charts are at corresponding predetermined -angles to each other.

The charts are adjusted at a predetermined distance from the wheels by so locating the charts that the forwardly directed light beams coincide with a norm line or indication on the chart as a starting point of indication. The light beams are then shifted by and in accordance with the respective changes of angular attitudes of the front wheels and the respective markings on the charts scanned by the beams give the reading ci the angular attitude at each degree of turn of each frontwheel. The adjustments of the wheels or other parts then can be corrected to any desired degree while the change of adjustment can be continually observed while working.

The illustrative apparatus for carrying out my invention includes a front chart I, side charts 2, rear chart 3, and projectors l. The projectors 4 are detachably held on the respective parts t0 be tested or adjusted, for instance on the front wheels 5 of an automobile 6. The front chart I is spaced in front of the front wheels 5. The side charts 2 are spaced from the sides of the front wheels 5. The rear chart 3 is engaged with the rear wheels 1 of the automobile 6.

The graduations on the front chart I are grouped for various readings to be taken by the shift-ing of the projectors 4 with the turning of the front wheels 5. There is a norm line from which the vertical graduations are measured, which in this illustration is the horizontal line A which extends the full length of the charts I and 2 from end toend. In this illustration the norm line bears .the marking 12. All the graduations are substantially symmetrically spaced above and below the line A and about the vertical 0 line across the middle of the first chart I.

The middle group of markings B of the front chart I includes vertical lines numbered consecutively to 10 from each side of the middle line 0. These vertical lines of the middle group of markings B are used to denote the inner limits of the steering angle of each front wheel.

The group of middle markings B also includes parallel horizontal lines equally spaced below the norm 12 line A, which are used for reading the lowest points of the fall of the wheel caused by the king pin slant.

A pair of groups of markings C are symmetrically spaced on the opposite sides of the middle group B so as to be located substantially in positions aligned with the straight forward positions of the front wheels 5. The vertical lines of these markings C are marked on the chart from "2" to "8" or 22 to "28" corresponding to twenty-two to twenty-eight inches of width or trackage of the usual cars. The projectors 4 preferably project a well defined mark, such as cross hair mark B the vertical hair line of which is substantially parallel with the plane of the wheel. When the forward projected beams 9 and I0 coincide with symmetrical vertical lines of the markings C, then the charts are centered with respect to the automobile. The angle of the vertical hair line of the cross hair mark 8 relatively to the vertical lines of the markings C indicates the so called camber of the wheels.

It is to be noted that the vertical lilies of the markings C of the front chart I, and the vertical trackage width markings C' of the rear chart 3 are identical and symmetrical. Thus the difference between the rearward reading on the chart 3 and the forward reading on the group C gives the reading of the degree of toe-in.

The next groups of markings on the front chart I are the groups D, one group near each end of the front chart I so located that the respective front wheels 5 at their maximum outward turn point toward the respective markings D. Each group of markings D includes vertical lines indicating 20 or 25 turn which are the'usual steering angles for automobiles front wheels. The graduation of this group D formed by spaced horizontal lines above the norm lines A cooperate dicated by the forward projected mark 8 is caused by the king pin slant adjustment of the wheels and therefore the king pin slant adjustment of the front wheels can be accurately determined, equalizled and adjusted by observing the position of the projected marks 8 on the groups of markings B and D. This king pin slant adjustment reading is illustrated on Fig. 2. The positions of the light beams 9 and I0' show on the middle group B the inner limit of the respective steering angles ofthe front Wheels 5 and the fall of the wheels 5. The positions of the light beams 9 and I0" indicate on the outer groups D the outermost limitsof the steering angle and the highest rise of the wheels 5 caused by the king pin slant adjustment.

The vertical graduations formed by spaced horizontal line markings E on the side charts 2 are spaced above and below the continuation of the norm line A so as to give readings by the fall and rise of the cross hair mark II projected-at right angles from the plane or face of each front Wheel 5. When the front wheel 5 is in straight position, as in Fig. 1, the light beam I2` is projected on the norm line A. As the front wheel beam I2'is moved toward the outermost steering Y markings D of the front chart I and is directed upwardly to a maximum rise shown by the eight beam position I2. When the front wheel 5 is turned outwardly away from the center of the automobile the plane of the front wheel 5 is tilted outwardly by its caster adjustment, and the side light beam is moved in a direction away from the front chart I and downwardly below the norm line A to its lowerrnost position indicated by the light beam position I2". Thus by direct reading of the markings E on the side charts 2 indicated by the projected marks II, the relative caster adjustments can be accurately determined, and observed during adjusting operations without any calculation or measurements.

The nelative alignment of the front wheels 5 and rear wheels 1 may be also determined by a second set of projectors 4 directed from the rear wheels 1 forwardly at the front chart I so that light beams I3 can be read alongside the forward light beams 9 and I0 of the front wheels.

It is also to be noted that the rear chart or board 3 may be secured also at the rear of the rear wheels 1 as shown in broken lines at 3' on Fig. 1.

The rear chart 3 is made of a comparatively narrow strip which may be readily located on the floor near the rear wheels 1 of the vehicle or automobile. The rear chart 3 is automatically centered on the rear wheels 1 by opposed arms I4 extended at right angles from the plane of the chart 3. Links I5 extend from the arms I4 alongside the chart 3 and are pivoted to the opposite ends of a lever I6 fulcrumed on a pivot I1 in the center of the rear chart 3. Thus by engaging the arms I4 with the inner sides of the rear wheels 1 the rear chart 3 is automatically centered tovindicate the trackage on the symmetrical markings C.

Eachof the projectors 4 of the herein illustrative embodiments includes a tube I8 with aligned light directing units I9 at right angles to the tube I8, and magnetic clamping means 20 for fastening the projectors 4 in position on the parts to be adjusted. When used on wheels l the magnetic clamping means 20 align the projectors 4 so that the axis of the light directing units I9 overlies a diameter of the wheel.

The tube I8 is open at the top and bottom. A lining'tube 2I is fastened in spaced relation to and inside of the tube I8. A nlike cooling structure is formed between the inner tube 2I and outer tube I8 by a corrugated conductor shield 22 longitudinally placed in the annular space between the tubes I8 and 2|. 'Ihe outer tube I8 has side apertures 23 which further dissipate heat usually developed by the illuminating elements of a projector." The illumination in this embodiment is provided by an electric light 24 held in a suitable socket 25 within the inner tube 2l. Ventilation is further accelerated by a small fan 28 mounted near the end of the inner tube 2I below the light socket 25.

The light beam directing units I9 are adjustably located in aligned tubular sockets 21 vex-` tended from opposite sides of the outer tube I8 substantially at right angles to the tube I8. The tube I8, the lining tube 2I and the shield 22 are provided with openings 28 in registry with the tubular side sockets 21. The light rays are thus directed from the light 24 out through the side openings 28 then through both tubular sockets 21, and out through both light beam directing units I9.

Each light beam directing unit I9 includes a tubular casing 29 adjustably fitted in the socket 21. A pair of spaced lensesi30 are mounted in the passage of the casing 29. A sharp mark is obtainedby placing the pattern of the mark of the projected beam between the lenses 30. In

the herein embodiment a so called cross hair 3I is fixed across the passage of the casing 29 so that the vertical hair line thereof is parallel with the axisof the tube I8. The light beams can be focused by sliding the light directing units I9 toward or away from the light in the usual manner.

The magnetic clamping means 20 of each projector 4 includes a plurality of magnets 32 preferably arranged in pairs. The upper clamping means 20 has a bracket 33 extended from the tube I8 so as to be located substantially vat right angles to the light directing units I9. An arcuate base 34 on the bracket 33 supportsat its ends magnet bases 35, which latter are yieldably but firmly held by a screw 38 bearing against a c oil spring 31 between the bracket base 36 and the magnet base 35. On the top of each magnet base 35 are xed a pair of spaced magnets 32 on opposite sides of the spring mounting. This mounting is firm but has sufficient yieldable adjustment-to adapt it to slight variations of the curvature or unevenness of a surface. For instance as shown in Fig. 8 the upper magnetic clamping means 20 readily adapts itself tothe usual curvature of the average rim of an automobile wheel 5. 'I'he lower clamping means 20 in this illustration has an arcuate magnet support frame 38 on the end of a bracket 39 extending from the lower end of the tube I8. The arcuate arrangements of the series of magnets 32 are substantially on the circumference of a circle a diameter of which coincides with the axis of the tube I8, and the axis of the projector units I9 coincides with another diameter of the circle at right angles to the axis of the tube I8.

The projection .of a light beam' at right angles to the plane of the projector 4 is accomplished by a reflector or refractor, such as a prism or mirror or the like to direct the light at a desired angle.- In this illustration av mirror 40 is held in an angular skeleton frame 4I in the path of the light rays which issue from one of the light directing units I9. 'I'he mirror reects the light beam at right angles to the axis of the units I9. The directing of the light beam is rendered selective by sliding the .mirror 40 in the frame 4I so asto be adjustable into an out of way position thereby to allow the travel of the light beam straight, for instance rearwardly as indicated at 42 in Fig. l.

The projectors 4 are preferably suspended on an overhead line 43 indicated inFig. 2 so as to keep them in position ready for operation relatively,1 to the charts, and also to prevent injury to the projectors 4 in case of accidental moving of a vehicle on which the projectors 4 may be mounted.

In operation the projectors 4 are quickly snapped n any part or frame to be tested or adjusted in a desired position. The chart is then aligned so that the light beam mark is projected on a norm or starting line. Then the relative adjustments can be directly read by the positions of the light beam marks on the groups of graduations on the charts.

In adjusting the front wheels of an automobile the projectors 4 are so secured onto the front Wheels 5 that the axis of the tube I8 is parallel with and overlies the vertical diameter of the plane of the wheels 5 and the axis of projection is parallel with and overlies the horizontal diameter of the plane 4of the wheel 5. The chart I is so adjusted that the projected marks B from the opposite wheels 5 are on the norm line A and are symmetrical around the vertical center line or 0 line of the front chart I. Then in each attitude of the wheel 5 the respective markings 8 or Il cooperate with the respective groups of graduations on the charts I or 2 to provide direct readings of-the respective angular displacements or adjustment characteristics of the wheels 4.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for depicting the angular inclination of the front wheel of a vehicle as mounted on a king pin, said apparatus including means for projecting light in cross-haired beam form, means for attaching said projecting means to said wheel in xed relation to the plane thereof and a screen adapted to intercept said beamed light and having reference indicia thereon for measuring the angular inclination of said wheel as indicated by the movement of said beamed light over said intercepting screen and relative to said indicia and by the variation of the angular attitude of the cross hair of said light relative to said indicia during said movement when said wheel is swung about by moving said king 2. Apparatus for aligning vehicle wheels including means for projecting from a vehicle wheel light in beam form having a fixed relation to the plane of the wheel and configured so as to reveal rotation of the beamed light, said apparatus further comprising a screen adapted to intercept said beamed light and provided with reference indicia for measuring the vertical and horizontal angular displacement of said wheel when swung about from one angular relation to the longitudinal axis of said vehicle to another relation, said displacement being indicated by the movement of said beamed light over said intercepting screen from one reference indicium to another and by the variation of the angular attitude of said beamed light as effected by rotation thereof during said movement.

ALBERT P. PETERS. 

